Nintendo 3DS Deals

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A 3DS bargain hunter's dream come true.

By Stephanie Lee

As the launch of Nintendo's 3D handheld looms closer, you're probably already donning your battle gear and preparing to join in on the frenzied hunt for this highly coveted new handheld. But as you're painting your face with war markings, ask yourself, "Are you getting the best deal for your money?"

Let IGN help you answer that.

We've scoured the internet to compile this definitive list of the Nintendo 3DS's most enticing deals that will be readily honored on launch day at these select retailers. We've also included a list of the midnight launch parties that will be happening across the country. Here we gooo!

Trade-in Deals Galore

A number of retail outlets is offering spectacular trade-in deals that'll take your current Nintendo DS off your hands, although don't expect to get the full value stated for any cracks or major cosmetic damage.

GameStop and Amazon.com are running mirror-image deals in which you trade in one of three accepted DS models for up to $100 knocked off the price of a 3DS. Boy, that sure sounds like a lot of money, but you get the maximum $100 only if you trade in the DSi XL model. Other accepted DS models are DSi and DS lite, which slash $75 and $50, respectively.

The only downside for doing this with Amazon.com is that you'll presumably have to send it in and wait, but the major upside is that this gift credit can be used to pre-order anything.

It's beautiful.

Toys R Us is offering up to $75 in-store credit toward the purchase of a 3DS system when you trade in your perfectly functional Nintendo DS, with its exact value also contingent upon the system's condition (is it free of scratches, cracks, etc.?) and possibly model. They didn't give out different values for specific models, so we suspect that any previous DS iteration is game.

Not to be left in the dust, Target hops onboard this deal train with a similar offer, though only through NextWorth, that gives up to $60 trade-in credit. Again, this value really depends on the model and the condition the DS is in.

Walmart recently joined this DS trade-in trend, promising to give you up to $100 for your old DS. Unfortunately, it looks like the list of participating stores is very restrictive. This may change in the following days, but check with your local store before you rush out there.

You read right. Toys R Us is offering this sweet twofer deal. For every Nintendo 3DS game you buy, you get 50% off the second.

This is arguably the best deal here assuming you'll be able to find the two games you want in the first place. If you're overwhelmed by the vast array of launch titles, let our review center help you narrow down the choices.

Offer is valid from Sunday, March 27 – Saturday, April 2.

Get $25 off a 3DS game with purchase of 3DS system

K-Mart is giving you a 3DS game at a fraction of the price with the purchase of the Nintendo 3DS. Super Street Fighter IV for 15 bucks? Uh, yes please!

Amazon.com is really rolling out the competitive price-matching machine as it joins K-Mart on this offer with $25 credit toward a "selection of 3DS games." Only thing is you won't be able to apply it immediately to your 3DS purchase since it is credited to your account after.

Nintendo 3DS System Bundles

Since you're most likely going to buy a game and a protective case for your precious 3DS, why not go with specially bundled Nintendo 3DS packages that can be purchased at Walmart or GameStop.com?

GameStop won't offer these bundles in store, but includes free 3-day shipping with your online purchase.

For $299.97, your choice of a Nintendo 3DS handheld (Cosmo Black or Aqua Blue) comes packaged with a 3DS System Pouch, whose color is chosen at random, and Super Street Street Fighter IV. Similarly, you can opt for the Samurai Warriors Chronicles bundle, which comes only in the Cosmo Black variety.

GameStop is selling an alternate bundle which includes both 3DS color schemes and a special 13 in 1 Gamer Pack, and is priced at $264.98.

Walmart's bundle gives you a bonus Flex Case (valued at about $10 individually) with a 3DS purchase.

While these bundles may not necessarily rock your socks off, they may appeal to those looking to get a complete starter experience without having to buy things separately.

Get $10 store credit with the purchase of select 3DS games.

Best Buy is handing out a $10 gift card with the purchase of two Nintendo 3DS games.

Both the online juggernaut, Amazon, and Walmart are slapping on a $10 online gift certificate for use toward future orders with the purchase of the following games:

These store credits can be used toward future purchases at their respective retailers. Awesome!

UPDATE: Amazon.com is now offering $10 toward a purchase of a second 3DS game. See the full list here.

Just be glad you're not this guy.

3DS Midnight Launch Parties

For those of you who can't wait the extra nine hours to get your grubby little mitts on the 3DS, a couple of Best Buy locations will be showing a lot of Nintendo love and hosting midnight launch sales as well. If you're gonna be the lucky few in attendance, expect crazy festivities and tons of giveaways to be brewing…all in 3D.

Note: All event times begin at 10PM and end at 1AM unless otherwise specified.